The University of Western Ontario was founded in 1878. The University of Western Ontario has an excellent reputation and has become an internationally recognized teaching and research institution. Western has a population of over 32,000 students, many of whom come from other countries. The Faculty of Medicine and Division of Nephrology have always had a very strong and invaluable International component.

There are several dozen International Medical students and Residents completing their training at the Schulich School of Medicine at the University of Western Ontario. Many of these residents are from the Middle East. Every week, the residents gather together at the "Saudi House" for food, fun and laughter. The residents are members of one large family.

London is a city of over 300,000 people. 10 % of the population is of Middle Eastern descent and this has provided the city of London with a thriving multicultural environment. There are 2 mosques and an Islamic Centre for people to worship and learn. The Muslim Students Association at the University of Western Ontario is also a vibrant entity on campus.